LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Exactly 30 years after graduating from Lakewood High School, Christopher Kaspar is living his dream as not only a respected and exhibited local, regional and national artist but also an arts educator inspiring the next generation of creativity.
The Brooklyn City Schools Fine and Practical Art Department Chair’s latest honor involves his “A Happy Family” work, which was selected for display in the upcoming 2020: International Juried Photography Exhibition.
Hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art and School of Performing and Visual Arts, the online exhibition features photographs submitted from around the globe which convey each artist’s personal perspective on living through the unprecedented year of 2020.
“What I do is search through Goodwill stores or antique shows for old photos that I find interesting,” Lakewood resident Kaspar said. “In the case of ‘A Happy Family,’ I believe the photo of a blended family is from the late ’60s or early ’70s.
“Even though right now it’s more socially acceptable, seeing people for people and not necessarily for the color of their skin, there have been blended families for a long time. This reminds us that people can love no matter what.”
Christopher Kaspar’s “A Happy Family” was selected for display in the upcoming 2020: International Juried Photography Exhibition. (Courtesy of Christopher Kaspar)
“A Happy Family” was created using a combination of analog photography and technology to create a new image that was printed on large-scale metal plates. After scanning the photograph, Kaspar applies a manipulation to the scan resulting in a new image.
In layman’s terms, Kaspar said he just like blending the old and the new with vibrations of color adding to the conversation.
“There are several different criteria,” Kaspar said. “Either they’re old photos that still seem relevant and make comments about society today, they’re aesthetically pleasing to color, aesthetically pleasing by the age and what’s going on or the story that’s being told in the photo that I think is still relevant.”
Over the past decade more of Kaspar’s work has shown up in galleries near and far. Two summers ago two of his pieces were accepted into exhibitions in Virginia and New Mexico.
While his high school years overall weren’t necessarily a great experience, Kaspar said the saving grace that still influences him today was the Lakewood High School art program.
“The art classes were a haven or a safe place for me,” Kaspar said. “That was largely because of the support I received from my art teacher Phyllis Fannin and graphic design teacher Dom Bitaglia. I’ve merged the two styles into how I teach.
“The professionalism of being an artist and the dedication to the craft of art came from Mrs. Fannin; a calm yet dry humor and conversation to reach students came from Mr. Bilaglia. Here at Brooklyn, I try to create a safe environment for those that need it and a space to be themselves.”
Even more so, Kaspar provides his students with a future path that could lead to becoming an exhibited artist.
“I think they get to see a person who actually believes and does what they preach,” Kaspar said. “I’d say I teach art, I want to do art and they have the perfect example to see I put my money where my mouth is.
“This is what I do, and this is what I love to explain to students and share with them.”
Read more news from the Sun Post Herald here.
"artist" - Google News
January 27, 2021 at 07:33PM
https://ift.tt/3r2ewIF
Impressive artwork by Lakewood artist, Brooklyn City Schools teacher selected for international photography e - cleveland.com
"artist" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2FwLdIu
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Impressive artwork by Lakewood artist, Brooklyn City Schools teacher selected for international photography e - cleveland.com"
Post a Comment